One-Third of arXiv 'Contaminated', 65% of CS Papers Smell of AI, Only 0.7% in Math
Approximately one-third of recently posted arXiv papers show signs of significant AI-generated text, according to a new study. An analysis of 12,750 papers from January 2023 to July 2026 across ten disciplines found a sharp increase in AI text markers following ChatGPT's release, with the overall detection rate reaching 32% in the latest quarter and peaking near 39% in early 2026.
The rate varies drastically by field. Computer Science papers lead at 65%, followed by Quantitative Biology (56.3%) and Electrical Engineering (51.3%). Mathematics, however, has the lowest detection rate at just 0.7%. The study's authors note this could be due to mathematicians using AI less or because the detector struggles with the high volume of formulas and symbolic notation in math papers, leaving the true cause unclear.
The research highlights that the detector identifies a statistical "AI style" in the text rather than proving full AI authorship. It cannot distinguish between light AI-assisted editing and fully AI-generated content. Furthermore, the detector can produce false positives, as some pre-ChatGPT academic writing also exhibits patterns now flagged as "AI-like." The growing use of AI, particularly in highly competitive fields, is creating a cycle where researchers may feel pressured to adopt AI tools to keep pace.
The findings raise questions about the changing nature of academic writing and the emergence of a new "AI style" that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from human prose, potentially undermining trust in written text regardless of its true origin.
marsbitAyer 11:35
